Charlotte Harbor

The Coastal Conservation Association Florida partnered with Ingman Marine, Abbott Construction, Lee Reefs, Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA), Capt. Jay Withers, Clermont Oyster Bar and Lake County to carry out the deployment of four tons of recycled oyster shells for the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef in Charlotte Harbor on Thursday.

Four tons of recycled oyster shells placed at Turtle Bay Oyster Reef

WGCU Staff

Four dump truck loads of recycled oyster shells were deposited in Charlotte Harbor Thursday as part of the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef project.

Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria commonly called blue-green algae seen here under high magnification, are well-known for forming harmful algal blooms in Florida lakes, rivers, and estuaries, including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. These blooms often appear as fluorescent green surface scum and can produce toxins that can pose health risks to humans and animals. Microcystis blooms are common in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater environments in Florida, especially during summer, but can occur year-round

Environment

Blue-green algae in Charlotte Harbor spurs health advisory; more of both certain to come

Tom Bayles

Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria commonly called blue-green algae seen above under high magnification, can bloom in Florida freshwater systems. Microcystis species are well-known for forming harmful algal blooms in Florida lakes, rivers, and estuaries, including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. These blooms often appear as fluorescent green surface scums and can produce toxins that can pose health risks to humans and animals. Microcystis blooms are common in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater environments in Florida, especially during summer, but can occur year-round.

This is what it's all about for those who care about excellent water quality in a coastal bay or lagoon on Florida's Gulf Coast: Thick, lush seagrass meadows provide critical habitat for fish, crabs, shrimp, manatees, and sea turtles while also stabilizing shorelines and improving water clarity

Environment

Sarasota Bay’s sea grass population soars; setting benchmark for other marine reclamation efforts

Tom Bayles

Sarasota Bay managers have managed a rare win in sea grass health and recovery in lagoons and bay around the state.

Forty tons of recycled oyster shells being transported to Turtle Bay in Charlotte Harbor were later scooped into the water along an existing oyster reef restoration project that has benefits to the marine environment far beyond that to the oyster population

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Recycled oyster shells placed in Charlotte's Turtle Bay: Clean water, larger oyster reef among the goals

Tom Bayles

Collecting, cleaning, and recycling clam and oyster shells to restore and create new reefs is a growing volunteer movement in Florida to enhance and protect coastal ecosystems, improve water quality, and protect shorelines from erosion

Fertilizer bans begin June 1

Tara Calligan

Doing less for your lawn in the summertime can play a part in preserving Florida waters. June 1 through September 30, three areas of Southwest Florida are asking residents to give their fertilizer routines a summer vacation for the sake of water quality.

Environment

SW Florida Conservation Priorities a Sign of Life for ‘Florida Forever’

John Davis

Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved a work plan in June that prioritizes several projects aimed at buying, conserving and managing…

Sallade Retirement Marks End of an Era in Charlotte County Emergency Response

Matthew F Smith

The longest serving county emergency manager in the State of Florida retires today. Charlotte County Commissioners are marking the day by declaring Friday…

Environment

State Officials Approve Land Purchases In Southwest Florida

Ashley Lopez

State officials approved two land conservation deals for Southwest Florida Tuesday.The Florida Cabinet voted in favor of a $9.7 million dollar land deal…